Whither Google's new CFO?

Back in August, Google told the world that CFO George Reyes would retire from the company once someone could be found to replace him. Well, almost nine months have passed, and there's no replacement.

In the official press release that announced Reyes' retirement plans, the company said that it expected to find a replacement by the end of the year. But clearly, things haven't gone according to plan.

Naturally, when we asked the company how the search is going, it kept mum. "We have nothing to announce at this point but as soon as we do we shall let you know," Google spokesman Jon Murchinson told us.

But you have to wonder why a company that's supposedly more attractive that any other American outfit needs nine months to find a new CFO. Aren't the world's top financial minds beating down those Googleplex doors, clamoring for on-site massages and all-you-can-eat chocolate mole mousse?

Meanwhile, Reyes isn't the only top exec who's recently used the 'Out' door. Communications bigwig Elliot Schrage just left for Facebook, following in the footsteps of Sheryl Sandberg, former vice president of global sales. In April, former CIO Douglas Merrill left for EMI.

Of course, the departed also includes executive chef Josef Desimone. Maybe the chocolate mole mousse isn't as good as it used to be. Or maybe the problems go deeper. ®